Whether you are on your first or third trimester, there are a few things that you have come to expect while expecting. Some you might have been told by your OB-GYN, others passed down to you through folk wisdom by women who have come before you, and many more from your own rooting around on the internet. One thing though might be harder for most to contend with – the long list of ‘Don’ts’ you constantly have to keep in mind. For one, you are no longer allowed that lovely glass of wine at dinner or just after a long day of work. Sushi dates are now a big no-no. If you only had a passing acquaintance with fruits and veg, then your relationship is about to improve a whole lot, whether you want it to or not. And if you have a penchant for smoking, then put those Slim Jims down for the foreseeable future.
One chemical that we might have come to rely on more than others, however, is caffeine. We take it where we can get it, especially if you are now on the wrong side of 25. Whereas before, in the morning both your mind and body would jump out of bed ready for the day ahead, now your mind lags miles behind your body and you struggle to fully wake up long after you have left the comfort of our bed. That all important morning cup of joe might be hard to part with, but there are sound reasons as to why it might serve you well in the long run to find alternatives. For one, caffeine consumption has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriages as it reduces blood flow to the uterus. And even though there are those who insist that a cup or two a day won’t hurt you, you must also keep in mind that it doesn’t just affect you. Caffeine will travel through your bloodstream to the placenta and ultimately to the baby, whose liver isn’t developed enough yet to detoxify it out of their system. The same can be said of expectant mothers whose livers are working overtime during pregnancy. Caffeine in the system works to overload an already overworked liver. This means it might linger longer in your system and subsequently disturb your sleep patterns at night. Caffeine is also known to work as a diuretic which might increase an already high frequency of having to use the bathroom in your present condition.
But seeing as your life and productivity need not be adversely affected by your pregnancy or the lack of that shot of caffeine in your day, here are a few alternatives that are good not only for expectant moms, but for those who are trying to break their dependency on caffeine.
Green tea
The science behind what makes tea as a whole now considered a “superfood” is expansive. Your regular cup of tea has about half the amount of caffeine found in a regular cup of coffee. The short and sweet of it is tea in general is rich in polyphenols which are responsible for tea’s exceptional antioxidant properties. It also works to keep the gut and the heart healthy. Green tea is particularly known for its antioxidant properties. A polyphenol specially found in tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been found to lower anxiety and is therefore therapeutic. This, unlike the heart-racing effects of a caffeine-laced drink, is a welcome relief. Have in mind that it has lower and not zero caffeine so don’t go overboard.
Hot Water
If you have been in China long enough then you understand this as a running gag. This simple drink is prescribed for everything from fatigue to serious illness. But for expectant moms it might actually be a magic drink. Some of the charming side effects of pregnancy are nausea, hypersalivation, and mucus membranes swelling, drying out and even bleeding. These are incredibly uncomfortable effects which can be relieved or even managed by having a cup of water with lemon. You can also choose to add other fruit essences, or go a step further and make a broth of your choosing.
Sparkling Water
One of the biggest culprits for most of the caffeine intake all over the world in the young and old is soda consumption. Many of our favorite fizzy drinks are loaded with caffeine and during pregnancy, thanks to cravings, it is very easy to overdo it. Usually the draw to fizzy drinks is the fizz itself and its scouring effect on the throat rather than the sugar hit. If that is all you might be looking for, then you can have a refreshing bottle on hand. A half juice, half sparkling water combination is surprisingly refreshing and could simulate that soda kick, without its dehydrating and over-caffeinated properties.
Coconut water 
With its mildly sweet flavor, this hydrating and nutritious beverage comes highly recommended by gynecologists the world over for its pH balancing properties. It also promotes good digestion while fighting heartburn and constipation, which are yet more side effects to being pregnant. And while it is refreshing going in, it might do your body a world of good while going out as it promotes kidney health while fighting common urinary problems.
Snacks
Going without caffeine means you might not get that instant kick of energy which comes with a good espresso. But snacking is a good way around this. A handful of nuts is able to give you the energy boost that you might have been looking for through that arduous afternoon slump. Dried fruit such as raisins are a ready source of energy. And for convenience purposes, you might grab a cereal bar or two and stash them for later.
When all is said, despite its limitations, pregnancy is a magical experience for those who choose it, and this is just one way to ensure that your pregnancy is not only a happy one but a healthy and safe one too.
Photos: weightlosswowfactor.com , CDC , lovingfruits.com, Medical News Today, Firstcry , naija.ng
